Fight Hunger Statewide collections now underway

By Community Action Services and Food BankCommunity Action Services and Food Bank is working with local Scouts to help Fight Hunger Statewide during the 31st annual Scouting for Food drive, scheduled for Saturday, March 18.

The food drive comes at a critical time when supplies at Community Action Services are beginning to thin following the holiday season. The annual effort has provided the equivalent of approximately 9 million meals statewide since 2010.

Scouts are going door-to-door to distribute reminders to Utah residents during the week of March 13. Residents are encouraged to fill any bag or box with non-perishable food items to leave on their doorstep by 9 a.m. Saturday, March 18, when Scouts will return to pick up the food donations.

“As we continue to serve thousands of families, organized food drives become vital to our ability to provide assistance,” Myla Dutton, executive director of Community Action Services, said. “We can’t do it alone. We need those who can still give a little bit to do so. Every donation matters and has an impact on local families — sometimes our very own neighbors.”

All donations collected from Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties will be delivered to Community Action Services’ pantries in Provo, Coalville, Kamas and Heber. Alternatively, donations can be dropped off at Community Action Services, 815 S. Freedom Blvd., Provo.

Residents who receive door hangers as reminders also may support the Scouts’ efforts financially by taking their door hanger to any Smith’s Food & Drug store between March 17 and 20, where they can donate at checkstands. Online contributions are accepted at www.communityactionuc.org.

Community Action Services and Food Bank serves Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties and has been fighting poverty in the region since 1967. The organization provides services to help foster self-reliance, including homebuyer education, housing and employment assistance through its Family Development Program, community gardens and the Circles Initiative, which helps people permanently break the cycle of poverty.

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